Snow White

Currently as I'm writing this I'm still performing and touring on Snow White.

Snow White by M&M Productions, directed by Kim Woodroff has been an amazing experience so far. Our rehearsals were understandable intense but worth it in the end.

Before arriving and starting my rehearsals I had watched the original Snow White Movie, the 1937 rendition. Although similar Pantomimes especially sometimes end up taking a slightly different route, for example, instead of the "kiss of life" from the Prince, throughout the show the audience are told a story of how the 3 characters, who are essentially 3 of the 7 dwarfs, protect a flower that has powers.

Pantomimes were a form of theatre I was never too sure if I'd enjoy, I've always been more known for my straight acting however, being involved with this production for a whole month now, I'd happily say I feel comfortable with the style of theatre and acting that is asked for actors.

I will happily admit I initially struggled with the style and tone of being a Principal Boy, however after receiving direction from Rhuaridh Mckechnie with the importance of a Principal Boys Physicality and Movements, the "Ticking Clock", (described as the rhythm of how a pantomime production should feel, bar specific moments) I felt much better with my role as Prince Ryder. Something just clicked after that.

Dancing and Singing - I'm writing a whole section about this as these were the two things within my career that I felt like I could say I was the weakest at. "Dance The Night Away" was one of the first songs as a group we practiced. It was conducted each morning also during our warmups for the day. Initially I was flustered, dancing has never been my strong point as an Actor however I accepted this when going into it. I took my time and very quickly I picked it up, sometimes it meant going back to our accommodation and practicing the dance over and over until it would stay, but as I mentioned this was something I was fully aware was an issue for myself, so I was prepared to accommodate for it by practicing it in my own time.

Singing is my stronger area out of the two however, we're also dancing and singing at the same time, which is something I'd never pictured myself being able to manage, but once again, I was aware of this and ready to take the challenge on. Surprisingly, this was not much of an issue for me. But I have been told in many cases that I have very good breath control.

Overall I have to perform 5 songs, to which I can say I'm very comfortable with now. I believe after doing Dance The Night Away's routine for the first week, other dances felt almost instinctual?

I think what I'm trying to say is that because Dance The Night Away's routine at first was extremely challenging because I was so out of my comfort zone and not very confident that when it came to other dances they just seemed to "fall into place" and I believe that was because my confidence with dancing had grew. Simple little improvised moments like adding a wrist twirl or a quick turn of a limb felt more natural and all of that came with my confidence in dancing improving overtime.

I have learnt so much by being with M&M Productions that doesn't just involve Acting, Singing and Dancing. But because their is only 4 members per production, it's meant that each of us individually has had to take on a responsibility with:

• Set and Construction of Set

• Care with Costume

• Lighting & Sound

• End of Day Job Duties (Cleaning Costume, Cleaning Microphones, Cleaning our Productions Van)

• And ultimately I'd say living with 3 other people for 4 months and moving around the United Kingdom.

The experience isn't over yet however, we're in our last stretch before Christmas now so majority of the tour feels like it has finished considering we're back where we are based when we began, Ayr.